The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) first-ever study of mental disorders among children ages 3 to 17 is an "effort by CDC to show mental health is a health issue," according to lead study author Ruth Perou. According to the report, mental illnesses affect up to one in five children and cost $247 billion yearly in medical bills, special education and juvenile justice. The report also notes that suicide is the second leading cause of death (after accidents) among children ages 12 to 17. "What's concerning is the number of families affected by these issues," said Perou. "But we can do something about this. Mental health problems are diagnosable, treatable and people can recover and lead full healthy lives."
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